Some journeys take longer than others! Áine O'Sullivan, Niamh Cotter and Clare O'Shea are current members of the Cork Ladies Senior Football panel, and who make the long journey from the Beara peninsula for training.
Áine is working in Cork city, Niamh is a law student at UCC, while Clare completed her Leaving Cert this year. At the same time, they are leading inter-county players with Cork, the reigning TG4 Munster Champions and one of the leading contenders for the 2019 All-Ireland senior crown.
“You’re talking two, two and a half hours to get up to Cork,” says Áine. “I’m lucky that in the last year and a half, I’m living and working in Cork. “This is my sixth year on the panel, I was back and forth for the other years and to go training, you’d want nearly seven hours, travelling up, travelling down, and the training itself.”
Clare, whose father Joe often drives her to training and who features in this video, says: “During my Leaving Cert, I had my books with me. Just go up in the car, do one or two stops at the shop, and sleep!” She smiled: “The Leaving Cert’s done, I’ve done my best. I think I’d be more nervous for an All-Ireland if I’m brutally honest!”
Niamh explained: “I’ve never known any different. We’re really lucky to live in such a nice part of the world. Growing up, we had long journeys. In that sense, I know no different.” This video showcases the commitment of these players as they often travel hundreds of miles a week to represent their county.
Cork will play Tyrone in next Saturday's (August 3) TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final (Duggan Park, Ballinasloe, 3pm)
